St John's School Council aims to:

• give the children a 'voice' in our school.
• encourage collaboration between children of different ages.
• give our children the opportunity to work alongside other members of our school community (staff, governors, parents, visitors).
• allow children to experience democracy at first hand and learn the importance of being active citizens.

Our children have applied to be school councillors. They considered the job description (see below), wrote and presented their manifestos to their classmates and have been fairly voted in.  

We need someone from each class to be on the school council. This is a job which allows you to represent your class when talking to Mrs Hedges or Mrs O’Keefe. You will attend meetings and think about what you like about school and what could be changed and made better. You will sometimes be asked by the teachers to go and find things out to report back. This means you listen to the ideas and thoughts your classmates have, make notes of them and then tell the other school councillors and teachers about what your classmates have said in the following meeting.  

To do this job, these are some of the qualities you need to have: 

• Be a good listener (not just to your friends) 

• Confident at talking in front of others 

• Show that you follow all of the school values 

• Treat everyone fairly 

• Be organised (you need to make notes and remember when meetings are taking place).

November school council:

• What do you like about morning playtime?
• What do you think would improve it?

Morning play is a short time outside, but children often say they still get bored and want more to do. There isn't enough time to get lots of equipment out. We also have a 'no ball rule' at this playtime as balls tend to take over the playground and get in the way of other games. At lunch it is easier to have balls and equipment out as the playground is zoned and there are adults to set up and support the games. School council will talk to their class about what we can do to make morning play a positive experience. 

• School councillors agreed to make sure their teacher was sharing the school newsletter every week
• They are going to think of ways that we can encourage children to improve their presentation in their books

October school council

The school council presented 'the big ask' questionnaire to their class to complete together.

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/about-us/the-big-ask/